Featured
From Ghazals to global fame: Pankaj Udhas’ soulful serenade
The man behind the song, Pankaj Udhas, brought Ghazal to the masses, popularising it and making it accessible to the multitude not only in his country India but also across the globe with his calm and controlled voice that won everybody’s hearts.
Birthday Special / Celebrating Mrinal Sen’s 101
Mrinal Sen, a pioneering figure of Indian cinema, continues to inspire artistic representation of social consciousness. Born on May 14, 1923, in Faridpur, his journey as a filmmaker traversed tumultuous socio-political landscapes. Through the composition of his illustrious career, he distinguished himself as a filmmaker of unparalleled vision and courage, particularly because his works transcended mere entertainment to embody profound social commentary.
Recollecting Bangladesh’s cinematic homage to Rabindranath
Rabindranath Tagore’s literary prowess extends far beyond the realm of literature. His creations have served as a beacon of inspiration for countless writers and poets who walked the path he paved.
Arnob unplugged: Candid insights into his artistic journey
The musician is renowned for his exceptional lyricism and musical arrangements and has been a stalwart in the Bengali music scene for decades. Amidst his bustling studio life, he finds solace in the tranquillity of Shantiniketan, where his musical journey began as a disciple.
Birthday Special / Into the multiverse of Satyajit
Satyajit Ray and his brilliance have been a quintessential part of Bengali cinema and its representation worldwide for decades. Talking about why and how his masterpieces are legendary never seems enough, and perhaps it never will be.
May Day Special / Remembering Fakir Alamgir, the voice of the working class
Fakir Alamgir’s life embodies the spirit of May Day — representing both its struggles and triumphs. His lifelong dedication to the rights and welfare of the working class through his music marks him as a true champion of the labourers' cause.
The lesser-known facets of cinematic maestro Satyajit Ray
Born on May 2, 1921, Ray’s artistic journey began in the realm of commercial art before he became a filmmaker. His encounter with French filmmaker Jean Renoir and his experience with Vittorio De Sica's groundbreaking film “Bicycle Thieves” during a trip to London were pivotal, steering him toward independent filmmaking.
Remembering Lucky Akhand: A musical maestro of Bangladesh
As we journey through his life and musical endeavours, we pay homage to the trailblazer who continues to inspire and resonate with audiences long after his departure seven years ago on this day in 2017.
Safeguarding intangible cultural heritage: Still a long way to go?
Recognising the cultural construct of the state, Lubna Marium emphasises that any threat to culture hampers societal progress, national unity, and diversity. To address this, she has spearheaded the establishment of a comprehensive Intangible Cultural Heritage Inventory (ICH) through Shadhona.
Humayun Ahmed and his quiet, subtle humanist stances
There is a great debate on his inclination towards choosing safer routes as a laureate; critics always said he downplayed his capabilities and did not utilize his literary brilliance on social and political instances much; rather, he opted for popular and contemporary content, a discussion popular among critics and fans alike.
Headlines vs Hemlines: The pervasive bias of entertainment journalism against women
A dive into history reveals similar narratives. In 1968, Sharmila Tagore's decision to wear a bikini for a photoshoot wasn't seen as an artiste's choice but became a canvas for societal moral commentary. Fast forward to the present, and Bollywood luminary Deepika Padukone often finds her neckline inciting more fervour than her critically acclaimed roles.
The Shah Rukh Khan phenomenon: From stardom to superstardom
Through a diverse array of characters and compelling stories, the charismatic Shah Rukh Khan captured the hearts of people from various backgrounds and religions across South Asia. But how did he manage to resonate with such a vast and varied fan base?
The world of Asian influencer farms: A dystopian reality
Few people in the Western world have heard of Ruhan, but the Chinese company has emerged as one of several ‘influencer incubators’, transforming the face of e-commerce in the country. Occupying a grey high-rise in a drab part of industrial Hangzhou, the operation can be seen as the gears that keep online influencers churning out content during hectic eight-hour daily shifts.
